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At least 541 records · Page 30

Chlorophyll gradient map from high-altitude ocean-color-scanner data

A chlorophyll density map of an ocean area 25 x 30 km is presented, and the procedure used in generating the map from high-altitude ocean-color-scanner data is discussed. Data were obtained from a ten-channel radiometer on board a U-2 aircraft flying at 19.8 km above the coastal waters of Monterey Bay, California under conditions of clear skies and clear and deep water; the processing algorithms should be useful for satellite data as well. The total radiance measured at high altitude was separated into an atmospheric and sea-surface component and a water component, which is associated with chlorophyll content, for each pixel using the upwelling radiance of a near IR channel to estimate the atmospheric effect. Chlorophyll data were extracted by taking the ratio of the difference of intensities in the 472 and 506 nm channels to the sum of the channels, and are found to agree with shipboard chlorophyll determinations at a depth of 5 m.

Kim, H. H.↗

Development of Level of Detail System and First-Person Camera for the GCAS Visualization Suite

The use of data-driven simulations has become standard practice as part of planning for future space missions. These simulations allow visualizing the data interactively to show what the data represents, as well as the importance of the data in the context of the mission. Using this visualized data can enhance users’ understanding of it and accelerate analysis efforts related to missions planned around it. Three-dimensional (3D) visualization software was developed to allow creating 3D representations of various communication systems, as well as the physical terrain of the Moon, for upcoming missions. The goal of this software development effort was to create interactive visualization capabilities in the Glenn Research Center Communication Analysis Suite (GCAS) using data exported from MATLAB® (MathWorks, Inc.) scripts. This software had the functionality to visualize the line of sight and dynamic link margins of the communication satellites orbiting the Earth and the Moon. One important addition to this was the visualization of the terrain data located within the GeoTIFF files, which were produced in an effort to understand the Moon’s terrain. Proper displacement values of this data have to be visualized to showcase where craters are located and how the shadow casting works with said craters at different points of the day, as well as analysis of possible landing sites for future lunar expeditions. The graphics library coded in JavaScript, three.js, had been previously selected for developing this visualization software. The software was revised to conform to modern standards, then further developed to convert the MATLAB® data into JavaScript 3D objects and Blender GL Transmission Format Binary file (GLB) objects, which were to be imported into the scene. In the process, a variety of other testing projects were created to be combined with this project at a later point; these included the first-person camera movements around spherical objects to portray human movement around the Moon, GeoTIFF loading methods, data transfer methods for incorporating the elevation data into the scene, and level of detail (LOD) capabilities to decrease memory usage and rendering time.

Visualization↗

The space orientation of stars

Stellar rotation periods recently determined from short-term variations in Ca II H and K emission-line flux associated with starspot activity can be combined with both rotational spectral-line-broadening velocity measurements and independent measurements of stellar radii to give the inclination of the star's rotation axis to the line of sight. Assuming that the limits of distribution of sunspots on the sun apply similarly to solar-type stars, interferometric measurements of stellar radii in Ca II H and K flux may be performed to determine the clock-like, on-the-plane-of-the-sky orientation as well. Various stellar-radius measuring techniques are discussed, and photon limits on the measurability of this latter parameter are derived for Ca II H and K speckle interferometry. The accuracy with which the space orientation of stars can be determined is discussed in the context of existing data as well as photon limits. The importance of determining the space orientation of stars is then discussed, with emphasis on its important application to the present search for extrasolar planetary systems.

Doyle, L. R.↗

Stochastic Models of Tropical Rain-Rate Fields

Because of the extreme variability of rain rate in space and time and the difficulties with remote sensing methods of measuring rain rates, accurate determination of rainfall over large areas and time periods has long been a problem for hydrologists, meteorogists, and climatologists. A number of statistical models of rain have been developed in order to investigate the impact of rain variability on satellite remote sensing methods, validation of satellite rain products, and generation of rain maps with accompanying error estimates. These models may be useful in examining 'sub-grid scale' issues in representing precipitation in numerical mdoels. A stochastic model will first be described which can generate time-dependent high-resolution spatial rain fields with space and time correlations similar to those seen in rain data, as well as representing the presence of areas with zero rain rate and log-normally distributed rain rates where there is rain. A simpler model derived from this, formulated in the spectral domain, seems to imply fractal-like rain statistics at small scales when fit to rain data.

Bell, Thomas L.↗

The light curve of Comet Kohoutek

Visual estimates of total coma brightness define the light curve of Comet Kohoutek between Nov. 24, 1974 and Feb. 6, 1974. These data are well fitted by straight lines on the M-log r diagram. The preperihelion value of n is 2.2, and the post perihelion value is 3.8 up to January 16. A standstill in the decline is suspected between January 16 and 19. If the standstill is ignored the postperihelion data can be fitted less precisely by a single line with n equals 3.3. From photoelectric measures on four nights between January 5 and 13 after perihelion, n is found to be 4.1. The average B-V with a 32.4 arc sec diaphragm for those four nights is about 0.79; no clear systematic variation with time is noted.

Angione, R. J.↗

J-85 jet engine noise measured in the ONERA S1 wind tunnel and extrapolated to far field

Noise from a J-85 turbojet with a conical, convergent nozzle was measured in simulated flight in the ONERA S1 Wind Tunnel. Data are presented for several flight speeds up to 130 m/sec and for radiation angles of 40 to 160 degrees relative to the upstream direction. The jet was operated with subsonic and sonic exhaust speeds. A moving microphone on a 2 m sideline was used to survey the radiated sound field in the acoustically treated, closed test section. The data were extrapolated to a 122 m sideline by means of a multiple-sideline source-location method, which was used to identify the acoustic source regions, directivity patterns, and near field effects. The source-location method is described along with its advantages and disadvantages. Results indicate that the effects of simulated flight on J-85 noise are significant. At the maximum forward speed of 130 m/sec, the peak overall sound levels in the aft quadrant were attentuated approximately 10 dB relative to sound levels of the engine operated statically. As expected, the simulated flight and static data tended to merge in the forward quadrant as the radiation angle approached 40 degrees. There is evidence that internal engine or shock noise was important in the forward quadrant. The data are compared with published predictions for flight effects on pure jet noise and internal engine noise. A new empirical prediction is presented that relates the variation of internally generated engine noise or broadband shock noise to forward speed. Measured near field noise extrapolated to far field agrees reasonably well with data from similar engines tested statically outdoors, in flyover, in a wind tunnel, and on the Bertin Aerotrain. Anomalies in the results for the forward quadrant and for angles above 140 degrees are discussed. The multiple-sideline method proved to be cumbersome in this application, and it did not resolve all of the uncertainties associated with measurements of jet noise close to the jet. The simulation was complicated by wind-tunnel background noise and the propagation of low frequency sound around the circuit.

Soderman, Paul T.↗

Historical Study of Radiation Exposures and the Incidence of Cataracts in Astronauts

For over 35 years, astronauts in low Earth orbit or on missions to the moon have been exposed to space radiation comprised of high-energy protons, heavy ions, and secondary neutrons. We reviewed the radiation exposures received by astronauts in space and on Earth, and presented results from the first epidemiological study of cataract incidence in the astronauts. Our data suggested an increased risk for cataracts from space radiation exposures. Using parametric survival analysis and the maximum likelihood method, we estimated the dose-response and age distribution for cataract incidence in astronauts by space radiation. Considering the high-LET dose contributions on specific space missions as well as data from animal studies with neutrons and heavy ions, suggested a linear response with no dose-threshold for cataracts. However, there are unanswered questions related to the importance and the definition of clinically significant cataracts commonly used in radiation protection, especially in light of epidemiological data suggesting that the probability that sub-clinical cataracts will progress is highly dependent on the age at which cataracts appear. We briefly describe a new study that will address the measurement of cataract progression-rates in astronauts and a ground-based comparison group.

Cucinotta, F. A.↗

Historical Study of Radiation Exposures and the Incidence of Cataracts in Astronauts

For over 35 years, astronauts in low Earth orbit or on missions to the moon have been exposed to space radiation comprised of high-energy protons, heavy ions, and secondary neutrons. We reviewed the radiation exposures received by astronauts in space and on Earth, and presented results from the first epidemiological study of cataract incidence in the astronauts. Our data suggested an increased risk for cataracts from space radiation exposures*. Using parametric survival analysis and the maximum likelihood method, we estimated the dose-response and age distribution for cataract incidence in astronauts by space radiation. Considering the high-LET dose contributions on specific space missions as well as data from animal studies with neutrons and heavy ions, suggested a linear response with no dose-threshold for cataracts. However, there are unanswered questions related to the importance and the definition of "clinically significant" cataracts commonly used in radiation protection, especially in light of epidemiological data suggesting that the probability that "sub-clinical" cataracts will progress is highly dependent on the age at which cataracts appear. We briefly describe a new study that will address the measurement of cataract progression-rates in astronauts and a ground-based comparison group.

Cucinotta, F. A.↗

Near-Real Time Cloud Retrievals from Operational and Research Meteorological Satellites

A set of cloud retrieval algorithms developed for CERES and applied to MODIS data have been adapted to analyze other satellite imager data in near-real time. The cloud products, including single-layer cloud amount, top and base height, optical depth, phase, effective particle size, and liquid and ice water paths, are being retrieved from GOES- 10/11/12, MTSAT-1R, FY-2C, and Meteosat imager data as well as from MODIS. A comprehensive system to normalize the calibrations to MODIS has been implemented to maximize consistency in the products across platforms. Estimates of surface and top-of-atmosphere broadband radiative fluxes are also provided. Multilayered cloud properties are retrieved from GOES-12, Meteosat, and MODIS data. Native pixel resolution analyses are performed over selected domains, while reduced sampling is used for full-disk retrievals. Tools have been developed for matching the pixel-level results with instrumented surface sites and active sensor satellites. The calibrations, methods, examples of the products, and comparisons with the ICESat GLAS lidar are discussed. These products are currently being used for aircraft icing diagnoses, numerical weather modeling assimilation, and atmospheric radiation research and have potential for use in many other applications.

Minnis, Patrick↗

Spectrophotometric observations of symbiotic stars and related objects

Calibrated optical spectrophotometric observations of 16 symbiotic and symbiotic-like objects are presented. The objects observed include Z And, T CrB, CH Cyg, CI Cyg, V1016 Cyg, V1329 Cyg, AG Dra, YY Her, RS Oph, XX Oph, AG Peg, AX Per, CL Sco, HM Sge, AS 289, and M1-2. Integrated emission-line intensities are tabulated for comparison with ultraviolet and infrared data, as well as with previous optical studies. The reddening to each of the objects is derived by assuming that Balmer lines are emitted in their case B recombination ratios. However, the values so derived are often systematically higher than reddening estimates from the ultraviolet 2200 A feature. Comparisons with the available data from other wavelength ranges are noted.

Blair, W. P.↗

A preliminary analysis of the USML-1 drop dynamics experimental results

This is a quick-look report of the results of the drop dynamics experiments that were conducted in the Drop Physics Module aboard the United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML-1) Space Shuttle mission (STS 50) from June 25 to July 9, 1992. Two types of drop dynamics experiments namely: rotations of spherical drops and oscillations of simple and compound drops were studied. Preliminary results indicate that for the rotating liquid drop experiments, the experimental data agrees well with the theoretical (numerical) predictions in the axisymmetric and the two-lobed regions. The dynamics of the bifurcation point was studied, and it was found that the shift in the bifurcation point, due to drop deformation and due to spin-up and spin-down, coroborates the previous experimental data.

Wang, T. G.↗

Display Provides Pilots with Real-Time Sonic-Boom Information

Supersonic aircraft generate shock waves that move outward and extend to the ground. As a cone of pressurized air spreads across the landscape along the flight path, it creates a continuous sonic boom along the flight track. Several factors can influence sonic booms: weight, size, and shape of the aircraft; its altitude and flight path; and weather and atmospheric conditions. This technology allows pilots to control the impact of sonic booms. A software system displays the location and intensity of shock waves caused by supersonic aircraft. This technology can be integrated into cockpits or flight control rooms to help pilots minimize sonic boom impact in populated areas. The system processes vehicle and flight parameters as well as data regarding current atmospheric conditions. The display provides real-time information regarding sonic boom location and intensity, enabling pilots to make the necessary flight adjustments to control the timing and location of sonic booms. This technology can be used on current-generation supersonic aircraft, which generate loud sonic booms, as well as future- generation, low-boom aircraft, anticipated to be quiet enough for populated areas.

Haering, Ed↗

Current Status, Performance and Plans for the NASA Airborne Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS)

The status of the Airborne Visible and Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) is reported at the beginning of the current flight season. Sensor performance based on laboratory measurements and trend data as well as a review of end of 1995 season performance is given as a measure of expected performance during the 1996 season which began in March of 1996. Recent improvements to the sensor's internal calibration source and measurements of instrument parameters are described. The effects of these enhancements on the reported data are also discussed along with and update onflight schedules and plans for 1996 flight operations.

Airborne↗

Effect of contrast on the active control of a moving line

In many passive visual tasks, human perceptual judgments are contrast dependent. To explore whether these contrast dependencies of visual perception also affect closed-loop manual control tasks, we examined visuomotor performance as humans actively controlled a moving luminance-defined line over a range of contrasts. Four subjects were asked to use a joystick to keep a horizontal line centered on a display as its vertical position was perturbed by a sum of sinusoids under two control regimes. The total root mean square (RMS) position error decreased quasi-linearly with increasing log contrast across the tested range (mean slope across subjects: -8.0 and -7.7% per log2 contrast, for the two control regimes, respectively). Frequency-response (Bode) plots showed a systematic increase in open-loop gain (mean slope: 1.44 and 1.30 dB per log2 contrast, respectively), and decrease in phase lag with increasing contrast, which can be accounted for by a decrease in response time delay (mean slope: 32 and 40 ms per log2 contrast, respectively). The performance data are well fit by a Crossover Model proposed by McRuer and Krendel, which allowed us to identify both visual position and motion cues driving performance. This analysis revealed that the position and motion cues used to support manual control under both control regimes appear equally sensitive to changes in stimulus contrast. In conclusion, our data show that active control of a moving visual stimulus is as dependent on contrast as passive perception and suggest that this effect is attributed to a shared contrast sensitivity early in the visual pathway, before any specialization for motion processing.

Contrast Sensitivity/physiology↗

Joint ESA-NASA Multi-Mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP)

The scientific community is faced with a need for greatly improved data sharing, analysis, visualization and advanced collaboration based firmly on open science principles. Recent and upcoming launches of new satellite missions with more complex and voluminous data, as well as the ever more urgent need to better understand the global carbon budget and related ecological processes, provided the immediate rational for the ESA-NASA Multi-mission Algorithm and Analysis Platform (MAAP). This highly collaborative joint project of ESA and NASA established a framework between ESA and NASA to share data, science algorithms and compute resources in order to foster and accelerate scientific research conducted by ESA and NASA EO data users. Presented to the public in October 2021, the current version of MAAP provides a common cloud-based platform with computing capabilities co-located with the data, a collaborative coding and analysis environment, and a set of interoperable tools and algorithms developed to support the estimation and visualization of global above-ground biomass. Data from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) mission on the International Space Station and the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) have been instrumental in the first products of MAAP including the first comprehensive map of Boreal above-ground Biomass and a current Global Biomass Harmonization Activity, but the platform is also being specifically designed to support the forthcoming ESA Biomass mission and incorporate data from the upcoming NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) mission. While these missions and the corresponding research which includes airborne, field, and calibration/validation data collection and analyses, provide a wealth of data and information relating to global biomass estimation, they also present data storing, processing and sharing challenges. The NISAR mission alone will produce about 80TB/day. These large data volumes present a challenge that would otherwise place accessibility limits on the scientific community and impact scientific progress. Other challenges being addressed by MAAP include: 1) Enabling researchers to easily discover, process, visualize and analyze large volumes of data from both agencies; 2) Providing a wide variety of data in the same coordinate reference frame to enable comparison, analysis, data evaluation, and data generation; 3) Providing a version-controlled science algorithm development environment that supports tools, co-located data and processing resources; and 4) Addressing intellectual property and sharing challenges related to collaborative algorithm development and sharing of data and algorithms. MAAP products can be explored on the MAAP Dashboard at https://earthdata.nasa.gov/maap-biomass or the joint platform entrance at scimaap.net. MAAP also can be accessed through individual NASA (https://maap-project.org) and ESA (https://esa-maap.org/) landing pages.

cloud computing↗

Nimbus-Earth radiation budget instrument analysis

The Wide Field Of View (WFOV) Earth Flux Channels of the Nimbus Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) instrument are studied with the objective of improving the understanding and confidence in the data. Laboratory tests on flight space Earth flux subassemblies followed by a set of in flight verification procedures are examined to see if the laboratory derived correction factors produced consistent results. Intercomparisons between the WFOV data and integrated scanner data as well as other truth are used in these verificaton procedures. The main source of errors are temperature and temperature gradient related offsets. The findings led to construction of a model for the short wave WFOV channel which use instrument temperatures and temperature differences to predict or establish offsets which need to be applied to data reduction algorithms for maximum final data product accuracy.

Maschhoff, R. M.↗

Absorption in 3C 212

3C 212 (Q0855+143) is a red quasar with ambiguous evidence for strong low-energy X-ray absorption in its ROSAT spectrum (Elvis et al. 1994). We combine Einstein and ROSAT data with ultraviolet absorption-line strengths to investigate the physical state of the absorber. We find that a highly ionized absorber (U approximately 0.3) provides a consistent fit to both X-ray and UV data as well as providing a significantly improved fit to the X-ray spectrum. The absorber is outflowing with a velocity of approximately 1600 km/sec with respect to the Mg II emission line, situated outside the broad emission-line region (BELR) and has low density. The alternative blackbody fit to the X-ray data is excluded if the source has not varied, and it is also unable to predict the UV absorption lines. This is the second case of an X-ray absorber identified with a UV absorber (the first one being 3C 351; Mathur et al. 1994) and suggests that UV/X-ray absorbers may be common. This is an exciting possibility as the combination of UV and X-ray constraints is very powerful in determining the physical conditions of an absorber.

Mathur, Smita↗

NASA HECC Geometry and Performance Review Part 1: Validation of a Computational Model for the Vaneless Diffuser Configuration with As-Manufactured Impeller Geometry

An investigation of the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) vaneless diffuser configuration was performed. This multipart investigation focused on validating the computational model against experimental data. The validated model was then used to explore the effects of observed geometric differences between the as-manufactured and design-intent impellers. Lastly, the validated model was used for comparison against an experimental tip clearance study. Details regarding each of the parts are detailed below: A multipart investigation of the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) vaneless diffuser configuration was performed. Part I of the investigation focused on describing the HECC vaneless computational model and its validation against the experimental data published in GT2023-103128. To generate the model, a verification of the manufactured impeller was performed and was confirmed to match the impeller CAD. Section data from the impeller CAD, referred to as As-Manufactured, were used in the model. Steady RANS simulations using a multiblock structured mesh were used to conduct a mesh convergence study. The resultant mesh was then used for simulations at both design-speed and off-design speed conditions. The simulations compared well to data in both 1D and 2D terms. Based on the observed results the model was deemed validated and was used in the latter two parts of the multipart investigation.

centrifugal compressor↗